Rationality
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 5,654 ratings, 657 reviews)Read More
Rationality
Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Rationality
Rationality by Steven Pinker explores the perplexing paradox of human intelligence in the 21st century, an era of extraordinary scientific achievements juxtaposed with widespread irrational behaviours. Pinker delves into how a species capable of rapidly developing vaccines for Covid-19 can simultaneously be so susceptible to fake news, quack cures, and conspiracy theories.
Drawing on a wealth of knowledge from psychology, philosophy, and cognitive science, Pinker challenges the view that humans are inherently irrational. He argues that humanity's track record—discovering natural laws, extending human lifespan, and setting the benchmarks for rational thinking—demonstrates our capacity for incredible reason. However, Pinker points out that our cognitive processes are designed for survival in low-tech environments, leading us to often fail in harnessing modern tools of reasoning such as logic, critical thinking, probability, and decision-making under uncertainty.
These tools, which have evolved over millennia, are not typically included in standard educational curricula and have not been comprehensively presented in an engaging and accessible format—until now. In Rationality, Pinker seeks to fill this gap, offering clear and entertaining explanations to help readers understand and apply these essential cognitive skills.
Pinker stresses the profound importance of rational thinking, arguing that it leads to better decision-making in personal lives and within public spheres. Rationality, he asserts, is fundamental to social justice and moral progress. With a blend of insight and humour, Rationality promises to enlighten readers, inspire curiosity, and empower individuals to make more reasoned choices.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Rationality by Steven Pinker has received praise for its engaging and insightful introduction to the tools of rational thought. Reviews highlight Pinker's adeptness at explaining complex concepts in a clear and entertaining manner, underscoring the book's potential as an educational resource. It is described as punchy, funny, and capable of enriching the reader's understanding of probability theory, psychological biases, and the importance of reason.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780141989860
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 30 August 2022
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 25.0mm
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 200.0mm
Weight: 316g
Pages: 432
About the Author
Steven Pinker is an experimental cognitive scientist. Currently Johnstone Professor of Psychology at Harvard, he has also taught at Stanford and MIT. He has won many prizes for his research, teaching, and his eleven books, including The Language Instinct, How the Mind Works, The Blank Slate, The Better Angels of Our Nature, and Enlightenment Now. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, a Humanist of the Year, a recipient of nine honorary doctorates, one of Foreign Policy's 'World's Top 100 Public Intellectuals' and Time's '100 Most Influential People in the World Today'.
Also by Steven Pinker
View allMore from Science & Nature
View allWhy buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent specialist on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our cozy 200m2 warehouse in Auckland holds over 10,000 books in-stock so you're not waiting for books to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Pick Ups
We're an online-only store but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.